Character Analysis of August Strindberg's Miss Julie

Miss Julie: Character Analysis

Miss Julie

Miss Julie is the daughter of an earl and belongs to the aristocratic class. Her life undergoes a significant fracture caused by her attempt to dominate her fiancé. During the night of Saint John, she seduces her servant. Her father, the Count, is away from home. Raised by a feminist mother, she is both rebellious and influenced by her father. The tragic ending is triggered when John, after seducing Julie, reveals his true, ruthless personality.

John

John is a servant in the noble mansion. Unlike the other servants, he is ambitious and will do anything to climb the social ladder. For him, Julie represents the possibility of social advancement and the dream of becoming a hotel owner. Once he has attracted Miss Julie, he openly expresses his true intentions and his lack of scruples.

John represents a contradiction: the meek acceptance of his class versus a deep contempt for his own status. He perceives that historical times are changing and embodies the aspirations of the new class rising against the old, obsolete aristocracy. Ultimately, when he realizes his wishes will not be fulfilled, he leads Miss Julie to suicide to save himself from justice and the Count.

Kristin

Kristin is the cook and John's fiancée. She possesses a power that determines the final outcome of the play. Kristin does not question her social position; rather, she feels proud of her class. She believes that things have always been a certain way and should remain so: gentlemen are masters, and servants are servants. She maintains a rigid, seamless line of thinking and will do whatever is necessary to keep the status quo.

The Servants (The Bred)

The servants in Miss Julie's household represent a two-sided coin:

• In the presence of their mistress: They are submissive, obedient, and seemingly happy to follow orders.
• When alone: They are the complete opposite. They are guided by basic instincts and simple pleasures, showing no respect for their superiors, often mocking and criticizing them behind their backs.